Big 5 Game Change
Infrastructure, Technology and Innovation
Building the Backbone of Sierra Leone’s Future Economy
Infrastructure, Technology, and Innovation is the engine that powers national transformation. It enables everything else—from food production to healthcare, education, and public service delivery. Under the Big Five Game Changers, the Government of Sierra Leone is committed to expanding and modernizing the country’s infrastructure systems, increasing access to affordable energy, and scaling up digital transformation to power inclusive, resilient development.
This priority is about moving Sierra Leone from a basic infrastructure economy to a digitally empowered, technology-driven nation—one that connects rural to urban, government to citizen, and the present to the future.
THE PRESIDENT'S VISION
Global trends show that countries with robust infrastructure and digital capacity have stronger economies, faster innovation, and more efficient governments. Without it, even well-designed health or education policies cannot succeed at scale.
This Big Five priority addresses this gap head-on—by investing in infrastructure and digital systems to connect the people, power the economy, and modernize government.
Core Pillars
This Big Five priority focuses on three interlinked domains: energy, transport, and technology systems. Each is a foundation for inclusive growth and modern public services.
Energy Access & Sustainability
Reliable and affordable energy is central to economic transformation. Without it, factories stall, homes remain in darkness, and services are limited.
Key actions
- Expand the national electricity grid, especially to underserved rural areas
- Scale investment in renewable energy (solar mini-grids, hydro, and clean cooking)
- Upgrade aging infrastructure to improve power reliability
- Promote private sector participation through PPPs in energy production
- Deploy clean energy systems to schools, health centers, and local markets
Outcome: A resilient, diversified energy ecosystem powering businesses, schools, farms, and households across Sierra Leone.
Road and Transportation Infrastructure
Sierra Leone’s road network is underdeveloped and uneven, with many production areas cut off from major markets. This hinders agriculture, health service access, and youth mobility.
Key actions
- Upgrade and maintain feeder roads to link farms, mining, and fisheries to trade centers
- Improve urban roads and bridges to reduce congestion and transit costs
- Establish logistics infrastructure for food storage and export
- Promote eco-friendly transport infrastructure (bike lanes, pedestrian routes)
- Explore national rail and port upgrades for regional trade competitiveness
Outcome: A well-connected Sierra Leone, where goods and people move freely, supporting national productivity and economic inclusion.
Digital Transformation and Innovation
This pillar envisions a digitally enabled public sector and economy, where data, technology, and innovation drive delivery, inclusion, and competitiveness.
Key actions
- Expand broadband and mobile internet coverage nationwide
- Digitalize public services (civil registration, education, healthcare, licensing, procurement)
- Promote digital skills training for youth, civil servants, and entrepreneurs
- Support tech hubs, start-ups, and e-government platforms
- Strengthen cybersecurity and digital governance systems
Outcome: A technology-forward nation where services are faster, data is trusted, and youth innovate and compete globally.